Benefits Of Visiting A TMJ Dentist Syracuse NY
Generally, regular visits to a dentist in Syracuse, NY, are essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. However, it’s vital to know that dental checkups can also be beneficial in cases when you experience chronic pain involving your jaws. Given this scenario, you might be suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome.
Continue reading this article to better understand what this TMJ syndrome is all about and how visiting a TMJ dentist in Syracuse, NY, can help you.
TMJ Syndrome And Disorders: Things You Need To Know
As defined, the temporomandibular joint refers to the joint located on either side of the head, connecting your jaw to your skull. This joint is an integral part of your body that enables you to speak, open and close your mouth, and chew the food you eat.
Unlike other joints, the temporomandibular joint can move in several directions, making it one of the most complex and sensitive joints in your body. That’s why if you have an injured or damaged joint, it can result in localized pain called temporomandibular syndrome or disorder.
Typically, the common signs and symptoms of temporomandibular (TMJ) syndrome include:
Headaches
Pain in the ear
Popping sounds of the ear
Clicking or popping of the jaw
Sore jaw muscles
Pain when the mouth is wide open
While there are signs and symptoms, the exact causes of TMJ syndrome are hard to determine as the pain in your jaw joints and muscles might be the effect of a combination of other factors. These might include arthritis, genetics, dislocation, teeth clenching, and even poor jaw alignment. To be sure whether or not you have TMJ syndrome, it’s best to visit a dentist if you experience the above symptoms.
How Can Visiting A TMJ Dentist Help You?
In reality, many people believe that a dentist can only treat problems related to the gums, teeth, and tongue. However, by practice, many dentists look at the entire mouth, including the temporomandibular joints, to determine the cause of the problem. That's why there are dentists who specialize in treating problems concerning the TMJ.
If you’re suffering from TMJ syndrome, below are the benefits of visiting a dedicated TMJ dentist in Syracuse like Dr. Dimento DMD:
1. Take Advantage Of Reliable Dental Treatments
As mentioned, the pain you feel might be caused by jaw and tooth alignment problems. For this reason, going to a dentist who specializes in jaw problems can be an excellent idea. Upon further examination, a TMJ dentist can recommend dental treatments that can help alleviate pain and cure the problem.
For example, if your dentist specializes in orthodontics, they can advise you to use braces to help realign your teeth and jaws and be able to close your mouth in its proper position again. Also, in rare situations, a TMJ dentist can require jaw surgery to treat the problem.
2. Avail Of Thorough Oral Examinations And X-Rays
Sometimes, you can’t tell what the problem with your jaw is by merely looking at it in the mirror. So, if you’re experiencing chronic jaw pain, don’t hesitate to set an appointment with a Syracuse-based TMJ dentist. After all, jaw pain is one of the signs you might need to visit a dental professional.
A TMJ dentist, for instance, will execute thorough oral examinations, x-rays, and other methods to diagnose the problem accurately. Using their expertise in dentistry and some dental procedures, they can discover some complicated issues, which are going on in your mouth. A dentist can further check what’s happening beneath, such as potential damage to your jawbone. As a result, your dentist can make a comprehensive diagnosis and prescribe treatments before the problem becomes a life-threatening risk to your overall health.
3. Save Money And Protect Your TMJ In The Long Run
By visiting a TMJ dentist on a regular basis, you can prevent a little jaw pain from becoming a serious one. When you get your mouth checked, you’ll be able to avoid a variety of diseases involving your temporomandibular joints.
Moreover, frequent appointments with the dentist can also prevent you from spending more money on expensive medical procedures from untreated TMJ problems. Always keep in mind that getting fewer procedures means more money saved and temporomandibular joints protected from injury or damage.
Conclusion
When it comes to keeping your jaw healthy, having a trip to your TMJ dentist in Syracuse, NY, will be in your best interest. Therefore, if you believe that there’s more to a dentist trip than checking your gums and teeth, keep these benefits in mind.
Remember, regular dental visits can go a long way in treating TMJ pain and protecting your overall health. This will help guarantee that nothing vital in your body will become an ailing problem at any point in time.